Wageningen University: Bird flu at Dutch poultry farms from autumn 2021

WBVR will investigate the genetic composition of the virus and links to viruses found since October 2021 in the Netherlands.

The Dutch government has asked the animal disease expert group for a new risk assessment in response to the recent infections.

Housing requirement
As a result of the first outbreak in Zeewolde on 26 October, a housing obligation was set in place by the government for all commercial poultry farms in the Netherlands. Zoos, petting zoos and hobby farmers are required to fence off their poultry and waterfowl to prevent contact between these birds and diseased wild birds or their droppings.

A nationwide ban applies to exhibiting poultry and waterfowl and visits to bird accommodation where at-risk birds are kept.

Infections from autumn 2021
Tables: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) infections as of October 2021 at Dutch poultry farms and hobby farms with 50 or more birds.

Highly pathogenic bird flu at commercial poultry farms
Location Type of farm Number of animals Type Date
Tzum Broilers 122,500 H5 14 Nov 2021
Lutjegast Laying hens 48,000 H5N1 8 Nov 2021
Zeewolde Meat ducks 21,000 H5N1 5 Nov 2021
Zeewolde Meat ducks 10,000 H5N1 4 Nov 2021
Grootschermer Broilers 107,000 H5N1 30 Oct 2021
Zeewolde Laying hens 36,000 H5N1 26 Oct 2021
Highly pathogenic bird flu at large hobby farms
Location Type of farm Number of animals Type Date
Parrega Private owner 200 H5N1 3 Nov 2021
Assendelft Small-scale farm 190 H5N1 1 Nov 2021